Purpose: We all get in “Ruts” and we could all use a little less body fat! In my time as a coach and athlete, I have learned a couple of truths.

• We are more likely to do something if there is a reward!
• We are going to stick with it if we are held accountable!
• If we can’t do it for 1 month, there is no reason to kid ourselves into thinking we should go longer.
• We must do it now, not later.
• Drastic measures equal Drastic results.

This is a "Diet" that will hopefully improve your lifestyle. I have read and tried many different "Diets" throughout the years and have again found some simple truths. Here are the rules of the "Sjostrom Diet"

Any and all vegetables are welcome. Any and all meats are welcome. You can eat them as you see fit. You are welcome to eat any fruits, nuts and seeds. Local honey is fine, I am just not sure what you are going to put it on. Honey on broccoli might not be that bad.

Protein Shakes are welcome. In fact I recommend them for the in between times and they can help curb the cravings. For this challenge we are going to say Top Form Whey Protein, is the recommended. You can order it at NRG for a discount and we will have it readily available Sept 31st, 2009 so you can be ready.

If you would like to finish whatever you already have, I don’t care. It cannot be a "Meal Replacement Supplement". (because of the sugar) Protein only!

Dairy is okay, as long as there is no sugar added. So yes you can eat eggs, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, or whatever. As long as there is no sugar added! There is one and only one way to cheat this. After your workout there is a 1/2 hour window in which you may drink low fat chocolate milk.

NO Grains! This includes Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Corn, Rice, Millet, Quinoa and Buckwheat. I am going to add white potatoes to this list, cause I can.

NO SUGAR ADDED of course this includes cane sugar, splenda, sweet n low, sugar alcohol, high fructose corn syrup, or any thing else you might think up a way of cheating this. Remember our goal is 1 month to cleanse our palate, bust our gut, and get out of a rut!

No Alcohol, No Cigarettes. You don’t need an explanation. If 1 month is too difficult for you, seek help outside of NRG!

I am not claiming to be a scientist, nor am I claiming to know it all. I am just ruling out some things that I know are "bad" and emphasizing some things I know to be “good”. I want you to succeed. This isn’t perfect. This is a war! We must destroy fat! We must gain strength and we must reach our goals!